Daily Verse

Another Good Samaritan

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And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. Luke 27:15-16 ESV

With hospitals, charities and even news stories named after him, It doesn’t take a theologian to tell you about the “Good Samaritan.” But did you know there was another “Good Samaritan” we don’t hear much about. Like his better-known countryman, he did something good that others had decided not to. This man had a life destroying problem named leprosy, that forced him into quarantine outside of his village, where he lived with nine other lepers. Lepers were considered unclean, and in this man’s case doubly so because he was a Samaritan. As a Samaritan, he couldn’t live in the same neighborhood, worship in the same building or even drink from the same cup as Jews. Yet in spite of everything stacked against him, he along with his friends, cried out to Jesus for mercy. I will bet that they could hardly believe their ears when Jesus told them that all they had to do to be healed was to go to the priest. Understandably all of them (probably with a hoot and a holler) hightailed it towards town!

But halfway to the priest, this “Good Samaritan”, overwhelmed with gratitude, turned back to tell Jesus thank you. Though everyone else kept running towards the priest’s house, the Samaritan went back, and, like the wise men before him, he fell at Jesus’ feet to worship Him. So, I ask myself, when was the last time I, went to Jesus to give Him thanks for all He has done? When was the last time I fell at His feet to worship Him?

The Power of Two

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Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 ESV

The power of two has been obvious ever since God looked down at Adam sleeping in the garden and said, “It is not good for man to be alone!” Moses had his brother Aaron, and Joshua stuck with Caleb. Jesus regularly sent the disciples out two by two, and even taught us that having a partner in prayer can move Heaven. In nursing home ministry, it is so easy to get so motivated to just get out there and get something done that we might forget to look to others for help. Being motivated to launch out is a great way to get started, but having a team member in ministry is vital to carry on the work.

But you might say, “I don’t know anyone who is interested in helping in nursing home ministry. But our lack of handy volunteers isn’t a problem for God. What He wants from us is simply the willingness to work with those He brings our way. Even when it seems we are alone at a facility, God just may surprise us from unexpected sources.

One of my favorite “volunteer stories” is about a man named Bruce. Bruce worked in the maintenance department of one of the facilities that I visit. After the service, Bruce would often greet me with a smile, a handshake, and a comment about how he also loved the hymns. One week Bruce asked if he could help sing with me. Though it seemed an odd request, I was later surprised and delighted as I heard his rich baritone voice joining in with me on “How Great Thou Art.” Not only was that a special blessing for me, but the residents also loved Bruce’s singing. Bruce reminded me that we were able to do far more together than either of us could do alone. Because we sang together, people had the chance to see their maintenance man in a whole new light. Though many residents looked forward to my coming in every Friday, Bruce could be there to encourage them or pray for them every day. Sadly, it was only a month or so until Bruce moved on to another job, but the memory of how God uses us together has encouraged me to always be keeping an eye out for the next “Bruce” who God might bring my way!

Jesus the Volunteer (The service entrance)

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Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 NIV

The key to successful volunteering, is to follow the example of Jesus. The Bible tells us that though Jesus was in very nature God, worshipped by angels and seated next to the Father, that He set aside His position and privileges and volunteered to be made a servant. How Jesus came, reminds me of when I worked on the estate of a very wealthy woman. Her mansion was set on the top of a small hill at the end of a long driveway. In front was a field once used by her horses as a pasture and behind were several acres of woods. Facing the main parking area for the house was a large impressive white door with columns on either side. But we who worked on the property had another entrance tucked away behind some bushes on the side. That entrance led to a small green house, a break room and a set of stairs leading up to the kitchen. Just over that doorway was a small sign with the words, “Service Entrance.” While guests gained entry through a much finer looking door, they needed to have an appointment. On arrival, they often were greeted by the housekeeper with a large guard dog (named George) who sat quietly as long as she was nearby. Only after carefully checking the visitors, did she usher them into the living room, where they waited for the lady of the house.

The same two entrances are in every human heart. There is a formal entrance in the front, but to gain entry, an appointment is required, and visitors are carefully checked over before being welcomed. But the other doorway is the doorway that Jesus chose: “The Service Entrance.” If we want to reach hearts as volunteers, let’s follow His example and come as servants. Only trusted servants may enter by the service entrance, and though it is humble, it has a stairway that leads directly to the heart!

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